Lion, Tiger, Bear 1165 charge of a small group of our guys thatll infiltrate the Germans pretty soon, check up on their weird stuff. Keep his name. ..quiet Can do. So, what did you bring me? Simpson got up, took a deep breath, and regained composure. I brought tie file. Is that important enough for you? Bernie sat, searching his empty ripped pockets. Spare a butt? When you say file, Im guessing its not mine, but something a little more important? He shook him out a Chesterfield. Is your eye black? What the hell happened to you? You smell like a water buffalo covered in sweaty vinegar. Ahh-h-h, just a drunken scrap last night at a hotel barn dance defending the honor of fine English ladies. He inhaled tobacco sharply. You know the score, ones my old colleague from the Argentine deal; shes on my team if she doesnt quit, sue me, or crack up. You always were a dead hoofer on the dance floor. Use your psychology, charm, and grace on her. Whats that old Egyptian wise man you keep squawking about? The bird-brained one with all the barroom wisdom? The Egyptian Thoth, also known as Hermes Mercurios Trismegistus. Ibis head. An Atlantean ascended master that specialized in Hermetic Law. A health nut teetotaler for sure. Call him up for legal advice, but Ill leave all that weird ancient mystery school crap to you and Botta, Im just a nuts and bolts guy, strictly steam engines and torpedoes. Hows your social life? Bernie stretched, yawning. You know me, I always surround myself and the truth with a bodyguard of lies and indecent women. Good. You know how it is, most of the Navy couldnt give half a shit, but a small set of them give way too much. Theyre worried you could be blackmailed, Baron von Steuben. And FDR himself has a queer list for leverage purposes, you know, to get certain brass thinking his way quick, so be advised. I shouldnt have told you that, but you rate it. He fanned himself with the photo. Wont happen. Besides, I bat left and right, and dont care a whit if Im labeled a faggot or not. Put it in the world papers and Ill retire to Rio, happy and forever rum-drunk with both sexes on my arm feeding me papayas.